SFU researchers study anti-violence policies in British Columbia’s public schools

Recent incidents of violence in schools – from bullying to murder – have prompted governments across North America to respond with strict, zero-tolerance policies, including suspension and expulsion of students for a range of aggressive behaviors. Some researchers, however, question such policies. They characterize those responses as "band-aid" solutions that satisfy parental or community concerns and legal obligations, but do not address the many root causes of youth violence or eliminate youth violence in the long term. Researchers at Simon Fraser University have evaluated intervention programs for youth at risk in schools and communities, and they are currently compiling a comprehensive summary of anti-violence policies and programs in British Columbia schools. On the basis of their work, they argue for multi-level policies and programs – utilizing, for example, community building, peer counseling, and student empowerment – that shift the focus from controlling violent behavior to fostering a culture of respect and caring in schools.